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How to dribble a basketball for kids
How to Dribble a Basketball (7-Step Guide + Drills)
Learning how to dribble a basketball is usually the very first skill a player will learn.
It’s easy enough to bounce the ball up and down while standing still…
But when a player’s trying to figure out how to:
Keep their head up to see teammates.
Move around the court.
Protect the ball from the defense.
Then learning how to dribble a basketball can be intimidating.
But there’s good news…
Practicing your dribbling and ball-handling skills requires only two things:
A basketball
A small area to dribble.
You don’t need a basketball hoop, a teammate to pass you the ball, or a fancy basketball gym with perfectly polished hardwood floors.
In the steps below, I’ll teach you the best way to dribble a basketball and also give you several dribbling drills to practice as well.
Let’s get started…
How to Dribble a Basketball in 7 StepsStep #1 - Spread and Relax Your Fingers
The first step in learning how to dribble a basketball is to relax your fingers and make sure they’re spread out evenly on the basketball.
Young kids have a tendency to keep their fingers together unless they’re taught otherwise.
Spreading your fingers out increases the surface area and gives the player more control.
The other issue is players making their hands and fingers too stiff…
Which results in players ‘slapping’ at the ball.
It’s important players get comfortable relaxing their hands and fingers.
Step #2 - Use Your Fingertips For Control
Some coaches and trainers tell their players the basketball should never touch the palm of their hand while they’re dribbling…
I disagree.
This results in a bunch of 5-year-olds making a claw shape with their hand, bouncing the ball with the top of their fingers, and then wondering why they can’t dribble.
The basketball SHOULD touch all of the pads on your hand…
But it’s the fingertips which control the basketball.
Step #3 - Get Your Body Down Low
All players should be bending their knees and staying low to the ground when they have possession of the ball.
There are several reasons for this, but the main benefit is…
Being low to the ground makes you explosive.
If your defender reaches in to steal the basketball, you’ll be able to immediately explode past your opponent and attack the rim.
Whereas if you were more upright, you’d first have to drop down before you could attack.
Step #4 - Pound the Basketball into the Floor
Players need to push the basketball into the ground with force when they’re dribbling.
Do this by extending the elbow and snapping their wrist at the bottom of the movement.
The less time the basketball is out of your hands, the more control you have.
If a player bounces the basketball without much force, the ball can easily be tapped away by a defender because of the time extra time it isn’t in the offensive player’s hands.
Step #5 - Protect the Basketball From the Opponent
Players have to make sure they’re protecting the basketball when dribbling.
There are several ways to do this:
1. Raise your non-dribbling arm for protection
This is known as an ‘arm bar’.
An arm bar will hold off a defender who’s attempting to close down the space and will also deter defenders from reaching in and attempting to steal the basketball.
But make sure to never push off with it.
2. Use your body to shield the ball
Turning your back / shoulder towards the on-ball defender will also provide protection.
Defenders will have a difficult time reaching all the way around the dribbler’s body and tapping the ball away without fouling them.
Step #6 - Keep Your Eyes Up to See the Floor
When first learning how to dribble a basketball, it’s natural for players to look down at the ball when they’re practicing.
But as they improve, players need to be encourage to raise their eyes up and see the floor.
When in game situations, this will allow them to read the defenders and their teammates to make the right passing decisions.
Step #7 - Learn How to Dribble With Both Hands
"I learned at a young age to dribble with both hands, and that allows me to be more creative when I go against bigger and stronger opponents" - Steve Nash
Have you ever coached against a player who can only attack the rim using their dominant hand?
They’re incredibly easy to stop.
All a defender needs to do is overplay their dominant hand and the offensive player will either have to pass the ball to a teammate or they’ll attempt to drive and lose the ball.
Which is why players must learn how to dribble equally well with both hands.
When a player can do this, their opportunities immediately double.
Step #8 - Dribble With a Purpose
One of my favorite dribbling quotes of all time comes from former Australian basketball coach, Lindsay Gaze…
"You dribble to score, not to explore."
Mindless dribbling is something that’s becoming more and more common in today’s game.
Players are putting the ball on the floor as soon as they receive it without having a smart reason for doing so. This is often leading to them wasting the dribble.
On the Coaches Clipboard website, it’s written there are only six reasons to dribble.
1. To advance the ball up the court. 2. To drive to the hoop. 3. To get open for a shot. 4. To open up a passing lane, to have a better chance of completing a pass. 5. To get out of a trap. 6. To kill the clock at the end of a game.
3 Basketball Dribbling Drills
1.
Up-and-Back Dribbling
How the Drill Works:
A player dribbles a basketball up and back in a small area performing different dribbling moves. At home, this area could be the driveway. At the gym, this area would be the full or half court.
Purpose:
Learning the basics of how to dribble a basketball. This is a great way to introduce new dribbling movements to players without overwhelming them.
Instructions:
1. Get one basketball and line up on the baseline.
2. Dribble the full length of the court practicing a specific dribbling move while trying to keep your head up to see the floor.
3. Each time you get to an end and turn around, switch up the move your practicing.
Dribble Moves:
Here are a few of the different dribbles I like to use with beginner players:
Right Hand
Left Hand
Crossovers
Behind the Back
Through the Legs
Dribble Low
Dribble Backwards
Walking
Jogging
Sprinting
Coaching Points:
• Do your best to keep your eyes and head up throughout the drills to see the floor.
• When performing the different dribbling moves, do your best to explode out of the move to practice getting past your opponent.
• Go slow in the beginning and focus on technique before adding speed.
2.
Balloon Dribbling
How the Drill Works:
This drill involves keeping a balloon in the air while simultaneously dribbling a basketball. When the balloon hits the floor, the player loses their score and starts back at zero.
Purpose:
An incredibly fun drill designed to improve a player’s ability to control the basketball. The drill achieves this by forcing players to keep their eyes and focus on the balloon instead of the basketball.
Instructions:
1. Players begin by dribbling the basketball while holding a balloon.
2. When they’re ready, the player throws the balloon directly up into the air.
3. The player then continually taps the balloon into the air while keeping their dribble alive.
4. A player is out when they lose control of their basketball or their balloon hits the floor.
Variations:
Opposite Hand - Players are required to dribble the basketball in their non-dominant hand only.
Change Hands - Players must switch which hand they’re tapping the basketball with each time they keep the balloon alive.
Coaching Points:
• Ensure you’re in a low stance while maintaining the dribble. The closer the basketball is to the ground the easier it will be to control.
• Attempt to keep your eyes up and on the balloon at all times.
3.
Stationary Dribbling Drills
How the Drill Works:
A player gets a basketball and finds a small, flat area where they can dribble. They then perform a series of one and two-ball ball-handling drills.
Purpose:
Players work on keeping their heads up while performing a variety of creative dribbling and ball-handling moves to improve their feel for the basketball
Instructions:
1. The player starts by setting up a small timer (phone, iPad, clock, etc) to track the time spent on each dribbling drill.
2. Each drill should last 15 - 30 seconds depending on the level of the players and which drill the players are doing.
3. The entire set should last approximately 5 minutes.
Dribble Moves:
Below I’ve listed several one-ball and two-ball dribbling drills to use.
If you’re looking for a bigger list, there are 50 dribbling moves here.
One Ball:
Ball Slaps
Finger Taps
Wraps
Pound Dribble
Spider Dribble
Crossover
Through the Legs
Behind the Back
Figure 8
Scissors
Two Ball:
Double Pound
High and Low
Double Figure 8
Double V
Kills
Coaching Points:
• Attempt to keep your head and eyes up throughout the drill.
• Get out of your comfort zone by pushing hard for the entire duration of each drill. Don’t worry if you mess up once or twice, that means you’re extending yourself!
• Do these dribbling drills every day!
Conclusion:
Learning how to dribble a basketball at an advanced level can give you a huge advantage over the opposition and teammates you’re battling with for playing time.
If used correctly, dribbling will allow you to get to any spot on the floor.
This can set both you and your teammates up for high-percentage shots.
Leading to more points score, more wins on the scoreboard, and more fun during games.
So, get out there and improve your dribbling skills!
14 PROVEN Basketball Drills For 5 Year Olds (2021)
As my favorite basketball player LeBron James said after bringing Cleveland the 2016 NBA Championship:
“Nothing is given. Everything is earned.“
When a 5-year-old is beginning to learn basketball, it can be challenging because they are learning how to combine the skills and rules of the game.
How can you make learning basketball fun and straightforward, so your 5-year-old is interested in playing?
Quick Links: 14 Basketball Drills for 5-Year-Olds
Dribbling (5 Drills)
Passing (3 Drills)
Shooting (3 Drills)
Defense (3 Drills)
Do these THREE things –> Focus on one/two skills each time you play, plan exciting activities to practice those skills, and stay positive with your children!
From personal experience, I know it can be hard to think of helpful drills to do with your child that won’t bore them after 30 seconds.
Luckily, with my experience of teaching elementary physical education to a wide variety of kids ages, I have developed a list of 14 FUN basketball drills YOU can implement today that also help teach valuable skills.
Dribbling/ Ball Handling
Want your kids to be able to make some of these moves one day? Get them started young!
Being able to dribble the ball correctly is one of the most critical skills in basketball that everyone has to know.
This is a list of helpful tips on how to dribble the ball correctly:
a. Use finger pads
b. The ball should bounce to waist height
c. Keep the ball to your side
d. Keep your eyes up on the court
For all of the dribbling drills, you need a small basketball and cones.
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Drill #1: Dribbling In Place
When a 5-year-old is first learning how to dribble, they should focus on the cues you provide and stay in one place.
They should practice using their dominant hand and non-dominant hand before moving onto the next step!
Drill #2: Dribbling While Moving
An effortless activity you can do to enhance dribbling skills is to have your child dribble the basketball up and down your driveway or sidewalk.
Is this too easy for your 5-year-old?
Have them practice dribbling with their non-dominant hand or even moving the ball from hand to hand.
Drill #3: Dribbling Through Cones
Have your child dribble around each cone while using their dominant hand, non-dominant hand and if that is too easy for them, have them use one hand then at each cone switch hands!
Drill #4: Basic Ball Handling
Practicing ball handling skills is very important to learn in basketball. The most exposure a 5-year-old has to basketball in most cases is shooting a toy ball into a kid’s basketball hoop.
That’s why ball-handling is crucial to learning the game!
Check out this video to see how I work on ball handling with my daughter.
Drill #5: Rolling Ball Around Cones
You’re probably wondering how does this relate to dribbling the basketball?
This activity works on controlling the basketball, which is the most crucial part of dribbling the ball. If the ball gets away from you, someone can steal it away.
Watch this video to get some ideas to work on this skill!
Passing
Basketball is a team sport!
Passing is essential to team building and winning games by finding a person who is open to make a shot.
There are 3 main types of passing in basketball:
A. Bounce pass
Tips for teaching the bounce pass
a. Step with one foot towards your target
b. Start with the ball by your chest
c. Keep your thumbs pointed down towards the floor
d. Bounce the ball ¾ of the way between you and your teammate.
e. The ball should only bounce one time before it gets to your teammate.
B. Chest pass
Tips for teaching the chest pass
a. Start with the ball by your chest holding the ball with both hands.
b. Aim for another player’s chest.
c. Step with one foot towards your target
d. Extend your arms when you release the ball
e. Keep your thumbs pointed down.
C. Overhead pass
Tips for teaching the overhead pass
a. Step with one foot towards your target
b. Put both hands over your hand with the ball
c. On the release of the ball, your thumbs point towards the floor and the ball should be thrown to the other player’s chest.
Are you a visual learner? Check out this video to see how each pass is performed so you can see the right way to perform each skill!
Drill #6: Partner Passing
Equipment: kids basketball
This is a very simple but effective activity. Stand about ten steps away from your child and show them each type of basketball pass (bounce, chest, and overhead).
Explain the tips for each of the passes. Practice each pass ten times.
Drill #7: Spiky Ball Pass And Catch
Equipment:spiky balls and ball rebounder net.
This passing activity makes learning how to pass the ball fun!
One of the best parts about this is that your child can use this to practice even when you are not around!
When you throw a ball at the rebounder, it returns the ball back to you! So this activity works on passing skills and catching skills.
*The ball rebounder net grows with your child whether they play baseball, lacrosse, basketball or soccer this net can help enhance skills when kids are practicing at home!
Drill #8: 5 Pass Scramble
What’s more exciting, passing or shooting?
I think most 5-year-olds would say shooting.
But, since basketball is a team sport, passing is crucial when playing the game! Even Lebron James has 8,662 assists at this point in his career!
Directions for 5 Pass Scramble
Equipment: You need a basketball hoop and 2 basketballs.
# of people: For this activity, you will need at least 4 people.
Divide teams up evenly (in most cases there will be 2 people in each group).
Explain that each team has to complete 5 GOOD passes to each other before taking a shot.
Good passes = caught by the other person and attempted to do the pass correctly
When 5 passes are made, that team can try to make a shot. The first team to make a shot gets 1 point for their team.
After 1 shot is made, the round starts over, and they have to make 5 GOOD passes again.</li>
The first team to get 10 points is the winner!
Shooting
Kids will LOVE practicing shooting the basketball.
Even my 1-year-old enjoys putting each ball that we have in our garage in the small hoop we have for him.
Basketball is my favorite sport to watch because I love how fast-moving it is and the score can change so quickly. If you feel the same, you and your kids will enjoy watching some of these amazing shots!
Below you will find a list of 3 shooting drills you can do with your 5-year old.
Drill #9: Tennis Ball Shooting
Equipment: tennis balls, cones or poly spots, storage bin or basket.
Directions for Tennis Ball Shooting
Line up cones in a straight line a few inches apart from each other and put your storage bin/basket a few feet away from the first cone.
Have your child attempt to throw (underhand/overhand) the tennis ball in the storage bin from the first cone 5 times.
Provide them with positive/corrective feedback if needed!
After 5 times, if they make the majority of the shots, have them scoot back to the next cone and practice 5 more shots.
Keep having them move back to see how far away they can make a shot!
This activity works on aiming, underhand and overhand throwing skills!
Drill #10: Hot Spots
Tips for how to teach a jump shot
a. Teach B.E.E.F method (Balanced, Eyes, Elbow, Follow Through)
Equipment: poly spots, a basketball, and a basketball hoop.
Directions for Hot Spots
Set up poly spots around your basketball hoop
Have your child try their luck at each of the different spots!
Depending on your child’s ability, you can move the poly spots closer or further away from the net!
This activity can turn into a game of HORSE to add some more competition!
Drill #11: Lay-Up Shooting
Tips for teaching a lay-up shot
a. Keep your head up
b. Eyes on the square!
c. Bring the ball close to your chin, step and push off the foot opposite of the shooting hand
d. Extend arm, reach high, so the ball hits the backboard
e. Release at the peak of the reach
Equipment: basketball, poly spots and basketball hoop
Directions For Lay-Up Shooting
Set the poly spots up in a curved line heading towards the basket.
If your child is right-handed, set them up on the right side and vice versa for the left side.
Have your child dribble the basketball starting at the first spot down to the last spot closest to the basket.
To practice proper lay-up skills, have them attempt to shoot with one hand (give them the cue to aim for the square of the basket).
After they can successfully make the shots with one hand, you can add the cue of bringing the opposite leg up from the hand they are shooting with.
Example: Right-handed lay-ups would bring up the right leg, and left-handed lay-ups would bring up the left leg.
Have them put both of these steps together to complete learning how to do a lay-up shot!
Are you in need of a basketball hoop?
Here are a few choices to choose from
Little Tikes Basketball Set
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We have this hoop at home for our kids, and they have used it so much over the past few years! This is an excellent option for when kids are little, and they are just learning about the game and working on their aiming skills!
Do you not have enough room in your yard to install a basketball hoop? This hoop is a great alternative!
SKLZ Pro Mini Basketball Hoop System
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Have you been thinking about getting a basketball hoop for your house? We have one, and we LOVE it!
This is the basketball hoop that we own. Our neighbor’s kids even come to our house to play basketball because they love our hoop so much!
Gorilla GS54 In-Ground Basketball Hoop
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What we love most about our hoop is that it’s adjustable. It’s perfect for both adults and kids who want to play basketball!
Defensive Drills
Drill # 12: Defensive Stance
Equipment: A basketball
Directions for Defensive Stance
You can join in on the fun for this activity, or if you have another child learning to play they can play!
One player will dribble the ball while you have your 5-year-old get in the defensive stance.
The player dribbling the ball should try to get from one side of your driveway to the other while the other person is defending them by shuffling their feet, keeping their arms out and keeping a defensive stance.
The defender should not try to steal the ball in this activity; they are just learning how to keep a proper defensive stance!
When the person who is dribbling the ball gets to the end of the playing area, they will switch roles! This should be done a few times in a row.
Drill # 13: Pirates and Sailors
Equipment: A basketball
# of players: This game can be played with 2 people
Directions for Pirates and Sailors
Sailors= start with the ball and Pirates= trying to steal the ball.
Depending on how many people you have playing, try to have an equal amount of pirates and sailors.
The sailors attempt to keep possession of the ball for as long as they can by using the right dribbling technique. The pirates are trying to steal the ball from the sailors by knocking the ball out of their hands.
If a pirate steals the ball, they will now become a sailor, and they will work on their dribbling technique while the sailor switches to a pirate!
STRESS FOUL RULES- There should be no hitting or tripping to get possession of the ball.
Drill # 14:Cone Shuffling Drill
Equipment: Cones
I did this activity in my physical education classes, and my students LOVED it! This is an easy activity for children to do at home to work on moving their feet quickly.
Get them more excited by setting two stations of cones up and race them!
Take a look at the video below for directions for this activity.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Playing basketball is such a fun way for 5-year-olds to get active and enhance their gross motor skills!
Unless you are a basketball coach or a physical education teacher, it could be difficult and time-consuming to come up with activities for your child to learn about basketball.
Thankfully, you won’t have to spend too much time researching drills and activities because my list of 14 age-appropriate basketball activities will teach your child the main skills, rules, and terminology of basketball!
I would love to help your family learn about the exciting game of basketball! Since I am a physical education teacher, I am very knowledgable about activities and skills needed for each age level.
If you decide to do one of these activities at home with your child, I’d love to hear how it went!
What are some of the basketball drills or games that you do at home with your 5-year old that have been successful? Please share them with us by leaving a comment below!
"Basketball for children aged 5-6 is the most emotional thing I've ever seen in my life!" - Basketball among preschoolers - BK Stremlenie on vc.ru
For some reason, it is so established in our country that even according to the official training manuals of the Ministry of Sports, children can be accepted into basketball from 8-9 years old. This is, as it were, officially considered the age when a child can already play basketball.
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Who came up with these rules and what is it based on, I do not know, but all over the world all sports are now getting younger, and basketball even more so.
Basketball can be seen from two sides, as a professional sport and as an amateur one.
Let's start with amateur.
In my humble opinion, basketball should be only an amateur sport in childhood. First of all, it should bring pleasure to children and joy from every workout. It's like doing engineering or math. If a child is not interested in mathematics, he will not study it, so the main thing is to arouse in children an interest in a particular discipline and maintain it throughout the time.
There shouldn't be any boring stuff. Children, interesting training, fun!
Well, that's it. Speaking in terms of pleasure, why did everyone suddenly decide that basketball cannot be fun at a small, preschool age?
There are so many opportunities in today's world… Small balls, small rings, a bunch of other modern equipment, even the uniform of professional basketball teams can be bought for a child of 3-4 years old, not to mention sneakers!!!
But even without equipment, a dedicated coach can make basketball fun for preschoolers.
No one now says that after a couple of months of classes, the children will play basketball like professionals and score three in small rings! But certain skills can definitely be mastered!
As everyone knows, in early childhood, any skill falls on a child much more correctly and faster than in an adult. With very young children, this is an even more enhanced effect!
Incredibly cute and cool to watch their first steps! How they hold this big ball, how they try to throw it into the ring or drive it around the court!
Any psychologist will tell you that working with a ball is extremely important for the development of coordination abilities in young children, no matter with which ball. There are special courses for babies where the ball is used. Yes, even in kindergartens in physical education classes, the ball is the main subject.
Basketball is generally one of the most developing games on our planet. A person during a game of basketball makes a huge number of movements, movements, his body must quickly respond to changing situations in short periods of time. Running, jumping, wrestling and all combined with ball work. The head starts to work in a completely different way when you plunge into the world of basketball.
Little 3-4 year olds are incredibly good at taking in information. They really like to work with the ball. They are fascinated by the opportunity to throw this ball into the ring and every hit is a holiday! At this age, interest in the game itself, dexterity and lack of fear of working with the ball are laid!
In one or two years of training, children can already confidently drive the ball and throw it into the ring. Many can already take part in mini-games!
We have experienced this many times. The games of children aged 5-6 are the most emotional thing I have seen in my life! Children at this age dribble with resistance, give passes, score in the ring, defend themselves.
In other countries, it has long been adopted that it is necessary and extremely important to work with a kindergarten! That it is at this age that there is a chance to captivate them with our game and to prepare a good base for more serious development by the age of 7-8.
And now a few words about the professional!
When a child goes through a good ball school in kindergarten, it is much easier for him to adapt to the requirements of sports schools.
If parents set themselves and their child the task of playing basketball professionally, then in my opinion it is necessary to start from kindergarten. By the age of 7-8, you will have a fanatically loving child, accustomed to regular training, able to withstand heavy loads and having experience of competition behind him!
Moreover, the child will be coordinated, the correct technique will be incorporated into him, which will greatly simplify the work with him in training for coaches and open up great opportunities for growth for the child and the coach.
Of course, even at the age of 7-8 it is too early to talk about some kind of professional sport, not to mention 3-4 year old children. However, it is in our hands how to properly and competently prepare children for the period when certain skills are required from them. And you and I will be proud that for several years in a row we took his little one to training and did everything so that he was interested.
Basketball for children - what is useful, at what age to play
Basketball is one of the most popular sports games. Basketball for children is considered one of the early sports, because kids can enroll for the first lessons from the age of 3. But the most important advantage of basketball is its accessibility.
Sections for children are available in schools and neighborhood clubs, and classes are often free. And if you are not ready to give the child to the section, just buy him a ring and a ball and hang it on your site and the kid will already be busy in sports, which means he will get the maximum benefit for development.
Benefits of basketball for children, what qualities it develops
Before sending a child to a section, parents should know how basketball is useful for children and what qualities it develops.
First of all, like any team sport, basketball develops social skills. Working in a team, children learn to help each other, care about common interests and work for the good of the team.
Moreover, this basketball is an excellent emotional release. It helps the guys throw out negative energy and get positive emotions. Along with this, character is tempered during classes, and the child learns to go towards the goal, sacrificing his own desires and needs.
Basketball also helps to get rid of complexes. This is especially true for tall girls who are noticeably taller than their peers. In a team where all players are taller than average, the girls no longer feel like a black sheep, but gain self-confidence and begin to be proud of their height.
The influence of playing basketball on the physical development of a child
The influence of playing basketball on the physical development of a child is also strong. First of all, the guys involved in this sport develop endurance, and all muscle groups are strengthened. Basketball practice - these are jumping, running, swinging arms, tilts and squats, which allow you to develop all muscle groups and strengthen the heart and blood vessels.
In addition to the general health benefits, basketball will also help prevent the development of certain diseases that result from an inactive lifestyle.
Moreover, basketball develops:
Review of vision. Due to the fact that the player must constantly keep an eye on the ball and other players, the field of view is improved. Children learn to manage peripheral vision and train their eyes;
Reaction speed. Often during a match, an athlete must make lightning-fast decisions on which the outcome of the game depends. This helps children learn to respond quickly to emergency situations;
Mindfulness. Through intense play, attention and memory develop, which not only has a beneficial effect on the playground, but also in studies and everyday life.
Given these facts, the question of what basketball gives a child can be answered that classes will strengthen physical, mental and mental health. That is why basketball is often recommended to children suffering from reduced attention and weak immunity. But not all children can benefit from basketball, you can find out what kind of sport is suitable for a child here.
Does playing basketball make children grow
We often hear that basketball makes children grow, but is it really so? Recent studies have shown that yes, indeed, he can help the baby grow up, but is not able to grow a giant out of him.
The increase in height is due to the straightening of the spine, which is stretched during jumps. Also, a slight increase in growth contributes to the strengthening of the muscles of the back and legs.
But to say that basketball can significantly affect the growth of an athlete is wrong, there is no scientific justification for this.
The fact that in the sections all children are really tall is explained simply - short children simply leave this sport, because they cannot compete with tall athletes, as a result they move on to other sports, for example, volleyball, where they need both tall and undersized athletes.
At what age can a child play basketball
For preschool children, basketball is available from 3 years of age. Often this game is played in physical education classes in kindergarten. Of course, such a crumb will not be taken to the section, but at this age the child can already be introduced to the ball and the net.
Professional basketball training for children starts at the age of 5-6 years. At this age, you can enroll in a section at the sports palace, both boys and girls are accepted. The first 4-5 years the guys work out together, and only at the age of 10 the coach forms the men's and women's teams.
Basketball for beginners is more about general physical training and familiarity with the ball. In the first years of training, the coach pays special attention to the development of endurance, so most of the training takes place in the fresh air.
In the gym, the guys learn different techniques and combinations, and also learn how to hit the basket. According to statistics, it is in their youth that children are more likely to encounter injuries in basketball. This is due to not yet developed coordination and lack of skills in programming movements.
That is why sports insurance for basketball at this age is a necessity, because it will reimburse the costs of treatment and provide the young athlete with high-quality rehabilitation, which will prevent the occurrence of fatigue injuries and chronic injuries in the future.
Age characteristics of children in basketball
Age characteristics of children in basketball are a fundamental factor in drawing up a schedule and training plan.
Consider how the load of basketball players changes with age:
3-5 years. At this age, kids still do not know how to memorize the rules of the game and listen to the coach. All classes are held in a playful way and are aimed at developing coordination of movements and mindfulness;
5-7 years old. During this period, special attention is paid to the physical development and increasing the flexibility of the child. The goal of the trainer is to maximize endurance and strengthen all muscle groups. Also at this stage, children begin to learn the rules of basketball and learn various tactical and dynamic techniques;
7-9 years old. This is the age at which real training starts. At the age of 8, children can already participate in competitions. Now all their work is aimed at the result of the whole team. During these years, the main task of the coach is to teach the guys to interact with each other;
10-12 years old. At this age, men's and women's teams are formed. Now the team is becoming a real family with common goals and objectives. Most often, it is at this age that the first victories occur;
12-14 years old. At this age, children learn to program their movements. This is a very important stage for every basketball player, because the final result of the maneuver depends on it. At this time, the main task of the coach is to hone the movements of each player to the ideal;
14-16 years old. This is the time to master tactical thinking. The brain of a teenager is already ready to solve tactical problems and make quick decisions. At this moment, the coach already sees which of the guys can become a real champion;
16-18 years old. This is the age when a teenager must show all the acquired skills. Strong players are formed into teams to participate in important competitions. At this time, the start in a sports career begins, because the guys already have sports categories and can participate in adult competitions.
If you want to grow a real champion out of a child, a section at a school or a sports palace is a good place to start. Later, by the age of 7, the basketball section for children should be focused specifically on professional activities. Such a section can be found in any city, because this sport is very popular. You can choose a section closer to home in our catalog of sports schools and sections.
Keep the ball to your side
The most exposure a 5-year-old has to basketball in most cases is shooting a toy ball into a kid’s basketball hoop.
Start with the ball by your chest holding the ball with both hands.
Stand about ten steps away from your child and show them each type of basketball pass (bounce, chest, and overhead).
Keep your head up
Our neighbor’s kids even come to our house to play basketball because they love our hoop so much!
This is, as it were, officially considered the age when a child can already play basketball. 
Running, jumping, wrestling and all combined with ball work. The head starts to work in a completely different way when you plunge into the world of basketball. 
And you and I will be proud that for several years in a row we took his little one to training and did everything so that he was interested. 
Basketball practice - these are jumping, running, swinging arms, tilts and squats, which allow you to develop all muscle groups and strengthen the heart and blood vessels. 
That is why basketball is often recommended to children suffering from reduced attention and weak immunity. But not all children can benefit from basketball, you can find out what kind of sport is suitable for a child here. 
According to statistics, it is in their youth that children are more likely to encounter injuries in basketball. This is due to not yet developed coordination and lack of skills in programming movements. 
During this period, special attention is paid to the physical development and increasing the flexibility of the child. The goal of the trainer is to maximize endurance and strengthen all muscle groups. Also at this stage, children begin to learn the rules of basketball and learn various tactical and dynamic techniques; 
At this time, the main task of the coach is to hone the movements of each player to the ideal; 
